COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTIONWith the developing interest in Belgian abbey ales and the monasteries that brew them, itís time to remind the world that here in the U.S., we have a Monk of our own. Jazz icon Thelonious Monk is the inspiration for North Coast Brewingís new Belgian-style abbey ale called, appropriately enough, Brother Thelonious. The beer is being released in conjunction with the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz (www.monkinstitute.org), and the brewery will make a contribution to the Institute for every case sold to support jazz education.
2013 vintage - 9.4% abv
Like a Belgian ďDark Strong AleĒ, the beer is rich and robust with an ABV of 9%. The package is a 750 ml bottle with a traditional cork and wire finish and features a label picturing the jazz master himself.

Tried it on tap along with an Allagash Odyssey at the Flying Saucer in San Antonio. The Allagash was spicy and complex but with very thin body. This Bro Theo was caramelly sweeter, but less complex, and really not all that sumptious in body either. Itís disappointing to have to try so hard to try and enjoy something in an itty bitty snifter. I wouldnít get it again. Kept wishing I had simply gotten the St. Bernardus 12.

Mahogany in color with an off white head. Aroma strong in raisin, ripe plum a hint of cinnamon toast. Tastes exactly as I thought it would, more dark fruit, perhaps notes of caramel. But the finish was like a flat cola...a bit lingering with the alcohol too. Just never could get it together.

Poured from 750ml bottle dark amber brown with an off white lingering head. Aromas of red fruit bread clove and alcohol. Taste is similar with hints of caramel and and nice lingering alcohol finish. My only issue is that itís a tad sweet.

Looking back on the musical contributions of the man that inspired this brew makes me wonder exactly what Iím going to get from it. I hope that itís a unique experiment in strong ales, as there was very little that was just average about Thelonious Monk.
I open the bottle and find the aroma spicy, nutty, with a foundation of caramel and prunes. The liquid is a clear nut brown as seen through a thin Pyrope garnet; the head a foamy cappuccino lazily gracing the surface. As I drink, the nuts and caramel turn to a doughy, earthy flavor; the prunes are apparent, materializing in each quaff, eventually disappearing in favor of the dough and spicy funk. I pull each mouthful slowly, letting the beer warm behind my lips, manipulating with my tongue, experiencing it throughout. Despite the 9.4, the alcohol isnít abrasive, but makes itself known as I swallow; the sting of it only a slight dryness on my gums.
At first the brew is almost sticky with sweetness, then disappears completely after the swallow, but comes back in with light, biting bitterness on my gums and tongue. It reminds me of the style of the man; after a funky riff on the keys, he leaves you hanging with moments of nothing that cascade into a melodic scale, all of which leave you with the reminder that nothing should ever be status quo.
I really like this, itís a damn good brew. The reminder from me tonight is to absolutely make sure you are drinking this at the right temperature. If the aroma seems distant, let it warm a bit. If you arenít in love with this beer off the cuff, itís too damn cold.

Bottle, 355ml. A dark reddish beer with a small head. Aroma is of a typical Belgian Style beer (according to Bear to a Quadrupel) with Belgian yeasts, caramel, spices, banana and alcohol. Taste is bitter with a strong alcoholic finish. Medium bodied with some carbonation and astrinency. Reminds me a lot of a Quadrupel.

Tastes reminds me of Jaeger unfortunately. Liquorice, raisin, very alcoholic taste. Really not that special sadly. Light in terms of weight. Maybe I just donít like Belgian style abbey ales or Belgian strong ales if thatís what it really is. This is my first of the four pack so weíll if it grows on me.

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